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​Healthy IDEAS - Identifying Depression & Empowering Activities for Seniors

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Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are not a normal part of aging and should not be considered as such. Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression & Empowering Activities for Seniors) is an evidence-based program that integrates depression awareness and management into existing services provided to older adults in-person or virtually/telephonically in their in own home by local Area Agencies on Aging. 

The program promotes social connections for older adults experiencing isolation or loneliness that often occur with chronic illness and other losses later in life. Healthy IDEAS improves quality of life for older adults by: 

      • Screening for symptoms of depression and assessing their severity
      • Educating older adults and caregivers about depression
      • Linking older adults to primary care and mental health providers
      • Empowering older adults to manage their depression through a behavioral activation approach that encourages involvement in meaningful activities

Older adults who participate in Healthy IDEAS may experience the following benefits:

      • Fewer symptoms of depression
      • Decreased physical pain
      • Better ability to recognize and self-treat symptoms
      • Improved well-being through achievement of personal goals

Healthy IDEAS ensures older adults get the help they need to manage symptoms of depression and live full lives. Twenty-one​​ agencies are currently implementing the program: 

For more information contact your local Area Agency on Aging, visit www.aging.pa.gov/AAA to find a AAA near you.